Leading 4-2 from the first-leg, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid held firm defensively for an hour before they took the lead on quick counter attack.

In-form striker Adrian Lopez was found in acres of space on the edge of the box and he volleyed and audacious effort over Valencia keeper Diego Alves and into the roof of the net.

Valencia looked poor and failed to create many clear cut chances, Roberto Soldado was unusually quiet for such a big occasion.

The match was nearing its end with Atletico heading to the Europa final but Portuguese midfielder Tiago was shown a straight red card for his reaction to a referee’s decision to something that was not.

He first slapped Roberto Soldado and then kicked Jordi Alba before receiving his marching order and as a result, now misses the final.

Atletico will face Athletic Bilbao on May 9th after Marcelo Bielsa’s side beat Sporting Lisbon.